Smart Grid News

Increased use of renewable energy reliant upon storage capability

SUBNET Solutions Inc | Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Renewable energy, such as wind or solar power, presents a much more cost-effective method for energy and has a lower carbon footprint. However, according to a recent Technorati article, greater storage capability is needed soon in order for use of these energies to rise.

One of the major problem related to renewable energy is fluctuation in energy generation when sources aren't available. If wind doesn't blow on a given day, the amount of generated energy can change drastically.

Thus, as the Technorati article states, efficient, inexpensive methods for storing renewable energy are needed. Greater storage capability allows for the generated energy to be saved when production levels are high and then used on a slower days.

Currently, as the cost of oil, natural gas and coal continues to rise, the need for these storage solutions increases each day. Without solutions in place, skepticism regarding renewable energy might remain high.

One method utilizing renewable energy that might soon gain traction are electric cars that run on lithium ion batteries instead of gas. These batteries have become efficient methods for storage energy.